Thorndike Library

Discover, research, collaborate

We have multiple public computers and multifunction printers available for library patrons.

Printing & Photocopying
B&W (per side) — Free for students; $0.05 for faculty & staff; $0.10 for visitors
Color (per side) — $0.20
Photocopying
B&W (per side) — Free for students; $0.05 for faculty & staff; $0.10 for visitors
Color (per side) — $0.20
Scanning
FREE

COA community members are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available through Mount Desert Island public libraries. Public library accounts can be acquired through Thorndike or by going directly to the libraries. They offer online access to audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines through CloudLibrary and Libby, Kanopy streaming services, museum passes (for free entrance to a selection of museums throughout Maine), beautiful spaces to study, interesting events, and good community. Items from these libraries can be returned to Thorndike (except ILLs that were ordered through those libraries). If you, a patron, or someone you know is interested, reach out to Catherine or library staff to sign up for accounts.

Participating public libraries:

Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bass Harbor
Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor
Northeast Harbor Library, Northeast Harbor
Somesville Library Association, Somesville
Southwest Harbor Public Library, Southwest Harbor

Research & writing help guide – a collaboration between library and the writing center to help students at all points of the research and writing process

Library Seminar Room

The library seminar room is available for group study or meetings when not already reserved for classes or other academic purposes. To book the room, visit the Events & Space Use page.

Senior Project Study Carrels

The library has 4 study carrels that can be reserved by seniors working on their senior projects. Requests for carrels must be submitted to cpreston-schreck@coa.edu.

Senior Projects and Master’s Theses are cataloged in the library’s catalog, Thorncat. Some projects are temporarily held from public view, which is reflected in their call number.
All other available Senior Projects will have SENIOR PROJECT as their call number and are available for in-library viewing. Master’s Thesis call numbers have the prefix THESIS and are located in the COA Collection area at the back of the library (they are bound in blue with title and author imprinted on spine).
Click HERE to view the Senior Projects & Master’s Theses in Archives & Thorncat Google Sheet, which is a list of all the projects and theses held in the archives.

submission information for graduating seniors

In lieu of a campus bookstore, we sell various supplies.

Cardstock 11″x17″ (tabloid size) $0.20
Cardstock 8.5″x11″ (letter size) $0.10
Comb Binding Materials
Cover, Clear Plastic $0.40
Cover, Black Paper $0.40
Binding Comb, 1/4″ $0.10
Binding Comb, 3/8″ $0.10
Binding Comb, 1/2″ $0.25
Binding Comb, 3/4″ $0.25
Binding Comb, 1″ $0.40
Binding Comb, 1 1/2″ $0.40
Binding Comb, 2″ $0.50
CD-DVD $0.85
CD-R $0.60
Chalk, 1 Stick $0.10
Dry Erase Marker, Black $1.50
Envelope, 9″x12″ $0.20
Envelope, Standard Letter $0.05
Eraser $0.50
Folder, 2 Pocket $0.50
Folder, Manilla $0.20
Glue Bottle (4oz) $1.25
Glue Stick $0.50
Highlighter $0.50
Index Cards, 100 Pack $2.00
Laminating Sheet (for 8.5″x11″) $0.25
Library Tote Bag $5.00
Paper 8.5″x11″ (letter size) Var. Colors $0.05
Paper 8.5″x14″ (legal size) Var. Colors $0.10
Pen, Blue or Black $0.75
Pencil, Mechanical $0.75
Pencil, Mechanical Box of Lead $1.00
Pencil, Wooden $0.05
Photo Paper 8.5″x11″ (letter size) $0.20
Post-Its, 3”x3”, Blue or Green $1.75
Ruler 12″ $0.75
Sharpie, Fine & Extra Fine $0.50
Tape with Dispenser $2.00

The Video Collection (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray) is located in the stacks. There is a viewing station and couch to the left when you enter the stacks. Patrons can help themselves to the viewing station which has a pair of headphones, a jack for additional headphones, and directions. Familiarize yourself with the viewing station by trying it out.

The Audio Collection (CDs, LPs/vinyl records, and cassettes) is on the back wall of the stacks. There is a listening station in a study carrel adjacent to the collection. Patrons can help themselves to the listening station which has headphones and directions. Familiarize yourself with the listening station by trying it out.

A life told through books

Ashley Bryan Special Collection

The Thorndike Library’s Ashley Bryan Special Collection celebrates the life, art, and relationships of Ashley Frederick Bryan—artist, author, illustrator, and beloved friend of COA. Drawn from Bryan’s personal library, the collection reflects his deep love of books as vessels of connection, creativity, and shared history. Many volumes include inscriptions from friends, family, and fellow artists, revealing a network of relationships shaped by curiosity and care. Together, the collection tells a story not just of a remarkable artist, but of a life rooted in community. Check out our research guide to learn more about Ashley and his work.

Explore research guide

Truth, history, and reconciliation

Dawnland

Dawnland offers a powerful, behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s historic Truth and Reconciliation Commission as it confronts the legacy of removing Native American children from their communities. The film explores difficult truths, ongoing harm, and the possibilities of reconciliation between the state and tribal nations. Thorndike Library provides institutional access to this documentary for current students, faculty, and staff.

Email library@coa.edu to receive the Vimeo link and password.

beyond the shelves

Collaborative efforts

Thorndike Library is a proud member of three collaborative efforts in Maine!

The Maine Contemporary Archive is a group of cultural heritage professionals representing communities across Maine that works together to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials related to Maine community members’ experiences of current events.
The Maine Balsam Library Consortium provides Maine libraries access to Koha, an open source ILS (integrated library system) that supports circulation, cataloging, and public access to library materials. Thorndike Library staff help with consortium administrative aspects and support member libraries in many ways, including skills-building through trainings and one-on-one help sessions, cultivating a professional community between libraries, and advocating for and supporting small and rural libraries across the state of Maine.
The History Trust is a non-profit consortium located on MDI that provides its members access to collections-related resources and professional development opportunities, and collaboratively administers the Online Archive for participating organizations to share their digital collections with the public. Our archivist, Elliot Santavicca is currently the vice-chair of the History Trust!

Hours & location

Term hours:
Monday-Thursday
7:30am-11:00pm
Friday
7:30am-10:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
10:00am-10:00pm

Term breaks & summer hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:00pm
Closed weekends & holidays

Location:
2nd floor of Kaelber Hall